https://gvwire.com/2024/05/16/former-congressmember-cox-close-to-plea-deal-in-money-laundering-case/

Former Congressmember TJ Cox plans to change his not guilty plea, federal court documents show.

Cox, a Fresno Democrat, faces 28 counts of fraud, money laundering, and illegal campaign contributions. He represented the Central Valley in Congress from 2019 to 2021, defeating incumbent David Valadao, R-Kings County, before losing a rematch.

A federal judge delayed a May 22 hearing, with a plea deal is likely.

“The parties request a change of plea hearing on July 29, 2024 to allow the parties to finalize plea terms and file change of plea documents,” a joint request from federal prosecutors and Cox’s attorney Mark Coleman made to the court.

The request also stated Coleman “is recovering from a recent illness and medical procedure and requires additional time to consult with his client.”

Details of the plea deal were not released. A U.S. Attorney spokesperson said the plea deal is not official until the judge accepts. The office had no other comment.

Cox had no comment.

Eighth Continuance of Cox Case

U.S. Magistrate Judge Barbara McAuliffe granted the motion. In her March 20 order, she said she would “not grant further continuances, absent good cause.”

Federal authorities arrested Cox in August 2022. He is accused, among other things, of diverting money from his businesses into “off-the-books” bank accounts. Cox is accused of stealing money from clients of his business consulting business. He is also accused of falsifying documents to receive business loans and illegal campaign contributions.

It is not believed Cox has appeared in person at a court hearing. He appeared by video conference at his Aug. 16, 2022, arraignment, pleading not guilty. Since then, his case has been on the docket 10 times, with eight continuances.

Cox posted bail after his 2022 arrest.

At least one of the charges relates to a $1.4 million loan Cox helped secure for Fresno’s troubled Granite Park sports complex. The nonprofit that runs Granite Park has since defaulted on the loan. Cox served as an officer on the nonprofit’s board at the time the loan was made.

Cox faces a maximum of 20 years in prison for the wire fraud and money laundering charges; 30 years for financial institution and financial institution fraud; and five years for campaign fraud. He would also face up to $1.5 million in penalties.

Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration federal sentencing guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.